I came to the Dairy with a lot of curiosity, some trepidation about the desert heat, and a few ideas to work with. I’ve realized some of those, have developed many more, and have had a hugely fulfilling and very different and surprising experience here, in what has essentially been five short days.
I’ve developed a bunch of ideas for work - and series of work - while wandering around the landscape here in the early mornings. I noticed so many indications of human presence: wooden squares on posts without any markings, detritus left for dead, chairs and toys abandoned. Some of the photos I took I’ve turned into work; some will become work; and some I’ll look at later, wondering what compelled me to snap that particular photo.
--Kirsten Aaboe, 2021
I’ve developed a bunch of ideas for work - and series of work - while wandering around the landscape here in the early mornings. I noticed so many indications of human presence: wooden squares on posts without any markings, detritus left for dead, chairs and toys abandoned. Some of the photos I took I’ve turned into work; some will become work; and some I’ll look at later, wondering what compelled me to snap that particular photo.
--Kirsten Aaboe, 2021
For a residency, I wanted a place of stillness. Desert Dairy is located near 29 Palms, where no other dwelling is visible. I wanted wildness also, and saw jackrabbits, roadrunners, coyotes, and even a covey of very large desert quail, right outside my window. The light is a colorist’s dream--not just in the sky, but illuminating every surface nearby, and the mountain ranges. The stars at night are close enough to touch, and I became reacquainted with the constellations I remembered from my childhood.
More importantly, though, I needed to be surrounded by people who know that--to an artist--making art matters more than anything else in the world. Anna and Ted offer space for solitude, yet also camaraderie, gentle encouragement, and inspirational conversation. We shared meals, bonfires, and glimpses of their own art-making process. I stayed in an apartment adjoining their house, where I regularly prepared my own food. The whole living experience was very fluid. I had a worktable in the apartment to supplement the generous studio, located in the barn, that was mine for the duration.
Most importantly, I felt that my work is helping to build this growing enterprise, entering the realm of practical magic, in which a long-neglected property is being transformed in beauty and usefulness.
Since Anna and Ted encourage an ongoing relationship with their artists, offering opportunities to return, encouraging their friends and associated to be involved as well, I plan to continue my association with Desert Dairy into the future. Knowing it is there enriches my practice wherever else I find myself. I am forever grateful.
--Cindy Zimmerman, 2020, 2021
More importantly, though, I needed to be surrounded by people who know that--to an artist--making art matters more than anything else in the world. Anna and Ted offer space for solitude, yet also camaraderie, gentle encouragement, and inspirational conversation. We shared meals, bonfires, and glimpses of their own art-making process. I stayed in an apartment adjoining their house, where I regularly prepared my own food. The whole living experience was very fluid. I had a worktable in the apartment to supplement the generous studio, located in the barn, that was mine for the duration.
Most importantly, I felt that my work is helping to build this growing enterprise, entering the realm of practical magic, in which a long-neglected property is being transformed in beauty and usefulness.
Since Anna and Ted encourage an ongoing relationship with their artists, offering opportunities to return, encouraging their friends and associated to be involved as well, I plan to continue my association with Desert Dairy into the future. Knowing it is there enriches my practice wherever else I find myself. I am forever grateful.
--Cindy Zimmerman, 2020, 2021
Desert Dairy is a unique art residency experience in many ways. At this time in my life, I do not have an opportunity or resources to do a month-long or more extended residency, which is often the expectation of other residences. A week to experience the High Desert, experiencing Joshua Tree National Monument, the Desert Dairy spaces, and engaging with Ted and Anna, was insightful, informative, and delightful.
I chose not to spend the entire time at Desert Dairy. The north entrance to the National Monument is so close that I took the opportunity to hike within the colossal rock formations, canyons, and around Joshua trees. I even saw a comet. I discovered and visited artists and projects throughout the region, thanks to Anna and Ted being knowledgeable and connected to the area.
Lori Lipsman, 2020
I chose not to spend the entire time at Desert Dairy. The north entrance to the National Monument is so close that I took the opportunity to hike within the colossal rock formations, canyons, and around Joshua trees. I even saw a comet. I discovered and visited artists and projects throughout the region, thanks to Anna and Ted being knowledgeable and connected to the area.
Lori Lipsman, 2020
I am a desert lover, so for me, Desert Dairy in the winter is the perfect place to work outdoors on an installation while experiencing the changing weather, the light, and the colors of the Mojave. At the top of the dunes I enjoy watching the sunset with a unique 360-degree view. There is a great sense of space at DD.
I did two residencies, one in January 2020, just before the pandemic, and one in February 2021, during the pandemic. The one-bedroom studio was ready for the second residency -- a very cozy place, perfect for resting after a day working outside. I felt at home, enjoying an inspiring place created by two amazing artists. Anna and Ted are very accommodating, adding to the sense of peace of the place. It is great to spend time with them, making pizza in their beautiful earth oven. I am grateful that Ted made a video presenting my installations for each residency I have done there.
I really appreciate the sense of freedom that I had, creating what I envisioned where I envisioned it without restrictions. Although there are plenty of amazing trails in the area, including in nearby Joshua Tree National Park, and local galleries to visit, what I enjoyed the most was staying at DD and working outside on the property.
I hope to be back again.
--Michele Gueie, 2020, 2021
I did two residencies, one in January 2020, just before the pandemic, and one in February 2021, during the pandemic. The one-bedroom studio was ready for the second residency -- a very cozy place, perfect for resting after a day working outside. I felt at home, enjoying an inspiring place created by two amazing artists. Anna and Ted are very accommodating, adding to the sense of peace of the place. It is great to spend time with them, making pizza in their beautiful earth oven. I am grateful that Ted made a video presenting my installations for each residency I have done there.
I really appreciate the sense of freedom that I had, creating what I envisioned where I envisioned it without restrictions. Although there are plenty of amazing trails in the area, including in nearby Joshua Tree National Park, and local galleries to visit, what I enjoyed the most was staying at DD and working outside on the property.
I hope to be back again.
--Michele Gueie, 2020, 2021
One expectation of my residency was to compare the Mojave desert’s environment to the that of the Southwest, where I live. In anticipation and prior to arriving, I partially created a painted sculpture depicting the flora and fauna of the desert. I was curious if my rendition was visually accurate and what I beheld on arrival was an environment of raw beauty toned with shades of purples, pinks, golds and blues. The unanticipated coloring greatly influenced my created photo studies and exploratory paintings.
My stay was during the pandemic shutdowns. The Desert Dairy created a safe haven, yet with promptings from Anna and Ted I periodically left the property to explore the area. Visits to Joshua Tree National Park, Noah Purifoy’s Desert Museum and the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery were inspirational.
This experience opened up my creativity by being immersed in a different environment. I was so fortunate to have this opportunity!
--Susan Roden, 2021
My stay was during the pandemic shutdowns. The Desert Dairy created a safe haven, yet with promptings from Anna and Ted I periodically left the property to explore the area. Visits to Joshua Tree National Park, Noah Purifoy’s Desert Museum and the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery were inspirational.
This experience opened up my creativity by being immersed in a different environment. I was so fortunate to have this opportunity!
--Susan Roden, 2021
Desert Dairy Artist Residency is a beautiful spot in the Mojave Desert. The view is wonderful and you can see Joshua National Monument to the south. I have been at the residency twice now and both times I found clarity, creativity and rest for my soul. There is quiet with the subtle colors of the desert expanding my thoughts and ideas.
Anna and Ted are lovely hosts and allow me the space, companionship, and support that I need. There is no pressure to produce with gentle and intelligent encouragement whenever required. I have been able to expand my ideas and had the space and open skies to put them in. They provide fun and informative trips to the surrounding area, whether it is an art opening, the farmers market or a walk in Joshua Tree. I always meet other artists and am able to expand my network of art professionals while I am there. We have wonderful evenings around the campfire sharing our art and lives.
The desert flora and fauna is always a surprise and a joyful way to start the day by walking and experiencing the extremes of the Mojave. One morning I came upon 5 buzzards sunning their wings spread wide while standing on the fence posts by the barn. It is a beautiful place.
The residency apartment is cozy and has everything you might need to make meals, relax and work. It is private and you have your own outside entrance from the main house and it just feels good to be there. There is an expansiveness to the desert that alters your view of the world. I love it there.
--Linda Litteral, 2020, 2021
Anna and Ted are lovely hosts and allow me the space, companionship, and support that I need. There is no pressure to produce with gentle and intelligent encouragement whenever required. I have been able to expand my ideas and had the space and open skies to put them in. They provide fun and informative trips to the surrounding area, whether it is an art opening, the farmers market or a walk in Joshua Tree. I always meet other artists and am able to expand my network of art professionals while I am there. We have wonderful evenings around the campfire sharing our art and lives.
The desert flora and fauna is always a surprise and a joyful way to start the day by walking and experiencing the extremes of the Mojave. One morning I came upon 5 buzzards sunning their wings spread wide while standing on the fence posts by the barn. It is a beautiful place.
The residency apartment is cozy and has everything you might need to make meals, relax and work. It is private and you have your own outside entrance from the main house and it just feels good to be there. There is an expansiveness to the desert that alters your view of the world. I love it there.
--Linda Litteral, 2020, 2021